Since my previous poll looks to be shut down reasonably soon (it appears to have attracted the evicted tenants from the dating/marriage thread), I thought I would try yet another one on the social component of masters swimming. I am pretty sure that when the sport was founded, socializing and camaraderie were key parts of the whole business.
As a former coach for a smallish team in my home town, plus a former college "continuing education" teacher of writing classes (i.e., non graded, non credit), it struck me very clearly that some people are very dedicated to the specific activity per se (be this swimming or learning how to write a magazine article), but the majority come together to participate only partly because of the ostensible reason, and partly (if not mainly) for the chance to be around and enjoy the company of folks they have something in common with.
Parents
Former Member
Remember - there is no 'i' in team.
But there is an 'i' in both 'drinking' and 'dinner'.
We go out all the time, at least once a week for breakfast on a Saturday morning and usually more.
We even sometimes socialise with swimmers from other teams.
And every world masters championships we crash the German national team party, drink their beer and eat their food. They're always so friendly it would be rude not to.
I think the social aspect is the best thing about masters swimming. I would find it difficult to do it without it.
Remember - there is no 'i' in team.
But there is an 'i' in both 'drinking' and 'dinner'.
We go out all the time, at least once a week for breakfast on a Saturday morning and usually more.
We even sometimes socialise with swimmers from other teams.
And every world masters championships we crash the German national team party, drink their beer and eat their food. They're always so friendly it would be rude not to.
I think the social aspect is the best thing about masters swimming. I would find it difficult to do it without it.
